NEW YORK (AP) – Rickey Henderson is back on the bases.

Baseball’s career steals leader became the new first-base coach for the New York Mets on Friday when Howard Johnson shifted to be their hitting coach.

The moves came after hitting coach Rick Down was fired during the All-Star break.

Henderson was not with the Mets on Thursday night when they beat Cincinnati. Johnson filled the role of hitting coach in the 3-2 victory.

Henderson has occasionally helped the Mets in spring training and during the regular season, especially with their baserunning.

Johnson played for the Mets from 1985-93 and was a two-time All-Star. He hit .249 with 228 home runs and 760 RBIs in a 14-year career with Detroit, the Mets, Colorado and the Cubs.

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